Review: Maine State Music Theatre's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 10, 2024
In a colorful, imaginative retelling of this “tale as old as time,” MSMT opens its 2024 TYA series with a revival of Robin and Clark’s version of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. The production, directed by Betsy Puelle, not only offers a contemporary twist on the classic fairytale, but also layers onto that version another dimension of fantasy and fun. Setting the ancient story as a play within a modern play, Robin and Clark create the dual perspective that characterizes many of their musicals and allows the actors to break the fourth wall and engage the youngsters directly. The narrator, a schoolgirl named Cindy, fashion – often improvises - her version of the story, lobbies to have it produced, and eventually plays a pivotal role in the work. Employing MSMT’s exciting new video technology, a stellar cast of young professionals, and incorporating large-scale, whimsical puppetry into the mix, this BEAUTY AND THE BEAST proves the resilience of the source material and the creative genius of the company
Review: Disney's Enchanting THE LITTLE MERMAID Swims Back to the La Mirada Theatre
by Michael Quintos - Jun 10, 2024
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts' mesmerizing, visually-stunning 2016 production of Disney's stage adaptation of THE LITTLE MERMAID has returned for a limited engagement continuing through June 23, 2024. Filled with colorful costumes and sets and soaring mermaids, this spectacular show will enchant both new and repeat audiences alike.
Interview: Writer and Performer Jean Franzblau on MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW I'M KINKY
by Shari Barrett - Jun 8, 2024
In May 2014, I heard about the new solo show Coming Out Kinky written and performed
by Jean Franzblau in which she related her personal journey to sexual self-acceptance. In it, she portrayed 20 characters in her sexual memoir adventure story for curious and open-minded adults to enjoy. So when I heard Jean was bringing her updated play My Mother Doesn’t Know I’m Kinky to the Hollywood Fringe Festival this month, I decided to speak with her about how it’s has been updated, how much her mother really does know, and her plans for taking it around the world as a way to spread the word about how important it is to “know thyself.”
Elderbrook Releases Uplifting New Single 'Shallow Water'
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 7, 2024
Grammy-winning DJ and producer Elderbrook unveils his new single ‘Shallow Water’, out now. Building around a poignant vocal and uplifting organs, ‘Shallow Water’ is a pulsating and life-affirming single. Listen to the single now!
Photos: Jazz Power Celebration20 Honors The Miranda Family and More
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 6, 2024
On a rainy New York evening it was all sunshine, joy and music at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, where the 20th floor, location of TD Bank’s Conference Center, had been transformed for the 20th anniversary celebration of Jazz Power Initiative, an organization founded by two friends: writer/educator Clifford Carlson, and jazz musician/educator Dr. Eli Yamin.
Scoop: Coming Up on THE QUIZ WITH BALLS on FOX - Tuesday, June 11, 2024
by TV Scoop - Jun 6, 2024
Get all the scoop on THE QUIZ WITH BALLS, airing on FOX on Tuesday, June 11, 2024! A new game show hosted by Jay Pharoah, The Quiz with Balls!, pits brains against balls in a high stakes quiz show with large-scale physical competition. Watch a first look here!
Watch Trailer for Apple TV+ Animated Adventure Series WONDLA
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 3, 2024
Apple TV+ has revealed the trailer for the animated adventure trilogy “WondLa,” hailing from Skydance Animation and based on the New York Times bestselling book series “The Search for WondLa'' by Tony DiTerlizzi. Watch the trailer now!
Emerging Queer Pop Star Zolita Releases New Album 'Queen of Hearts'
by Josh Sharpe - May 31, 2024
The project is built around a pair of equally ambitious themes—one half, Zolita views as a giant queer celebration, while the other half is more meditative and introspective, diving deep into life’s turmoils and travails. The album serves as a testament to her vulnerability and honesty as a songwriter along with her willingness to go to depths she hasn’t revealed in her songs before. Listen to the album now!
Review: THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT at Magik Theatre
by Jill Ripa - May 30, 2024
The collaborative nature of so many creative artists allowed this production to showcase fun new technology that helped this story come to life in such a playful way.
ABC Casting Unveils D-DAY: AN ORIGINAL WORKPLACE COMEDY Talent Showcase
by Josh Sharpe - May 30, 2024
For the first time in its 22-year history, the Disney Television Discovers: Talent Showcase will debut an ensemble piece – “D-DAY: An Original Workplace Comedy” – born out of ABC Casting’s continued commitment for rising artists to be discovered, nurtured and celebrated.
John Cameron Mitchell Joins as Executive Producer for PAYING FOR IT Film
by Josh Sharpe - May 30, 2024
Tony-award-winning performer John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shortbus, Rabbit Hole) has joined the producing team as Executive Producer for Paying for It, the live-action movie adaptation of legendary cartoonist Chester Brown’s best-selling graphic novel.